Nutrition and Fitness

Nutrition and Fitness Paper

SCI/100 Paradigms of Health

Padma Tadi-Uppala

Since this class began I have gained a new level of consciousness where my fitness is concerned. My current fitness program falls well short of what it should be. It consists of occasionally participating in a sporting event such as basketball. I have some exercise equipment in my home which I use approximately once a month. Basically, I have no fitness plan. My nutritional habits also leaves something to be desired. The habits that have practice in the past have created problems for me in the form of hypertension and elevated levels of cholesterol. The cholesterol levels are currently in the normal range but the hypertension will remain. I have taken measures to improve my nutritional habits by cutting back on foods with high levels of sodium and fat. There is one aspect of my nutritional habits of which I am proud. When I am no longer hungry, I stopped eating. This has allowed me to maintain my current weight, even though I am heavier than I should be. This is a very important aspect of dieting and nutrition, having the ability to know when you’ve had enough without overdoing it. This is a practice that will prevent me from becoming obese.

Obesity is a serious problem in the United States. According to Donatelle (2010), experts predict that, at the current pace, 50% of Americans will be obese by the year 2025 (p. 282). A person 5’4” tall, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 30 pounds overweight is considered obese. The risks associated with obesity can be life-threatening. These risks include diabetes, which will increase by 165%, from 15 million in 2005 to well over 30 million in 2030 (Donatelle, p. 282, 2010). When an individual experiences a weight gain of 11 to 18 pounds his risk of developing type II diabetes doubles. Other risks from obesity include sleep apnea and asthma. Being overweight and obese also exposes people to several types of...